electronics

Article
A Frequency and Radiation Pattern
Combo-Reconfigurable Novel Antenna for 5G
Applications and Beyond
Muhammad Kamran Shereen 1,2 , Muhammad Irfan Khattak 1, * and Mu’ath Al-Hasan 3
1 Microwave and Antenna Research Group, Electrical Engineering Department,
University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan;
[email protected]
2 United States Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCASE),
University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan
3 College of Engineering, Al-Ain University UAE, Abu Dhabi 64141, UAE; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]




Received: 12 July 2020; Accepted: 6 August 2020; Published: 25 August 2020


Abstract: This paper presents a novel combo-reconfigurable architecture for the frequency and
radiation patterning of a novel antenna system for future fifth-generation (5G) millimeter-wave
mobile communication. The tuning system independently controls the frequency and radiation
pattern shifts, without letting them affect each other. The proposed antenna consists of two patches,
radiating at 28 GHz and 38 GHz. A negative-channel metal–oxide–semiconductor (NMOS) transistor
was used as a switch for ON/OFF states. Frequency reconfiguration was controlled by switches
SD1 and SD2, while pattern reconfigurability was achieved by SD3–SD18. The desired resonant
frequencies of 28 GHz and 38 GHz were achieved by varying patch dimensions through the ON and
OFF states of the SD1 and SD2 switches. Similarly, parasitic stubs on the ground are used to control
surface currents, which results in pattern reconfiguration. The results were analyzed for 18 different
combinations of the switch states. Adding/removing parasitic stubs and switches changed the beam
steering angle (by 45◦ shift) from 0◦ to 180◦ , which modified the stub dimensions and changed the
beam-width of the main lobe.

Keywords: combo-reconfigurable; frequency and radiation pattern; 5G; millimeter waves;

mobile communication

1. Introduction
The next generation of telecommunication networks (fifth-generation or 5G) will hit the market by
the end of 2021, and will proceed to grow globally. In addition to speed enhancement, 5G is expected
to generate a vast IoT (internet of things) ecosystem in which networks can meet the communication
needs and expectations of billions of connected devices, with the required standards of speed, latency
and cost [1]. 5G mobile communication systems will have a significant impact on modern technology
by transmitting information via millimeter waves (mmWaves), and will be quicker, easier to manage,
and more reliable than present cellular technology for technological reasons [1]. The frequency band
planned for future 5G infrastructure and for meeting bandwidth requirements is expected to be
28 GHz/38 GHz for mobile [2] and 60 GHz/73 GHz for wireless communication [3]. Antennas are a strict
elementary part in any wireless system scheme. A lot of research has been concerned with multiband
antenna systems operating in millimeter-wave frequency bands, and has been extensively explored [4].
Numerous designs using multi-band methods have been adopted for the 5G millimeter-wave bands.
In [5], a circular microstrip antenna with an elliptical slot at 28 GHz and 45 GHz was introduced.

Electronics 2020, 9, 1372; doi:10.3390/electronics9091372 www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics

Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 2 of 13

The proposed structure was investigated for configuring a specific absorption rate (SAR) for a unit
cell (with an SAR value for 28 GHz of 1.25 W/kg, and 1.38 W/kg for 45 GHz), 1 × 4 array (SAR value
at 28 GHz is 1.19 W/kg, at 34 GHz is 1.16 W/kg and at 45 GHz is 1.37 W/kg), and a 5G wearable
antenna application. In [6], a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna had three bands for
ultra-wide band (UWB) functions, with one band notching an adjusted 5 GHz to stop the wireless local
area network (WLAN) frequency. The design of a two-dimensional (2D) slot antenna worked only at
28 GHz, which contained eight essential elements in a 2 × 4 shape [7]. The cellular handset printed
circuit board, (PCB) with four single band elements of a microstrip antenna on a low-cost substrate of
FR-4 at 28 GHz, was used in [8]. An eight-element microstrip antenna array functioning at 28 GHz and
38 GHz for the next generation of 5G communications was previously investigated [9]. Reference [10]
presented a massive MIMO for a 28 GHz and a 38 GHz antenna. In [11], the designs of eight dual-band
MIMO antennas for upcoming smartphones were offered. The antenna had a size of 7 × 15.5 mm2 for
3.3–3.6 GHz and 4.8–5.0 GHz 5G bands. Reference [12] introduced an antenna consisting of a radiator
with a triangular shape and exponentially declined edges. The monopole antenna had a condensed
area of 10 × 12 mm2 . A 2 × 2 MIMO antenna was shown, with an envelope correlation coefficient lower
than 0.001. For the first time, as far as we know, this article has accommodated various approaches of
mmWave 5G antennas for cellular smartphones [13].
The published literature [4–13] has reviewed and used variously shaped smart antennas and
MIMO antenna systems with radiating patches, and every category has been associated with its
own merits and shortcomings for a particular application. Although smart antennas are a powerful
concept, the cost associated with the multiple radio frequency (RF) chains and additional digital
signal processing (DSP) (an external beamforming network) resources can limit their use in many
practical applications. Compared with conventional antennas, the use of reconfigurable antennas is
another fascinating and exciting approach for wireless communications network technologies [14].
Moreover, a reconfigurable antenna provides cost-saving functionality, as well as weight, volume and
maintenance/repair benefits [14]. This type of antenna helps to reconfigure not only the frequency
bandwidth, but also the pattern of radiation and polarization. Reconfigurable antenna provides
versatile architectures and agile frequency, using defined operating systems and cognitive radios to
deal with multi-service, multi-standard, and multi-band operations, which can be expanded and
reconfigured. To implement a dynamical response, they employ different mechanisms such as PIN
diodes, varactors, radio-frequency microelectromechanical systems (RF-MEMS), field effect transistors
(FETs), parasitic pixel layers, photoconductive elements, mechanical actuators, metamaterials, ferrites
and liquid crystals. These mechanisms enable the intentional distribution of current over the antenna’s
surface, facilitating the reversible modification of their properties.
Much of the literature has focused on tuning a single antenna property, rather than multiple
properties. The effective length of the antenna and its operating frequency can be changed by adding
or removing part of the antenna’s length through electronic, optical, mechanical, or other, means.
For instance, an author changed the effective length of a monopole antenna using optical switches,
which helped eliminate some of the switch and bias line effects that can occur with other kinds of
switches [15]. A similar design approach was taken in [16]. In this case, a balanced dipole fabricated
on high-resistivity silicon was equipped with two silicon photo-conducting switches. Using four PIN
diodes, a researcher developed a reconfigurable printed dipole antenna to deliver three operating bands
between 5.2 GHz and 5.8 GHz [17]. Others have applied the same approach to microstrip patches [18],
microstrip dipoles [19] and Yagi antennas [20]. Radiating structures based on fractal shapes that share
the same underlying principle have been studied by numerous researchers [21,22]. With the reflective
surface physically removed and isolated from the primary feed, reflector antennas are a natural choice
for applications that require radiation pattern reconfiguration independent of frequency. Reference [23]
demonstrated an example of a radiation-reconfigurable reflector antenna by actively changing the
structure of a mesh reflector. In its first embodiment, the reflector contour was changed manually in
certain regions, which resulted in changes in beam shape and direction. Later, computer-controlled
Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 3 of 13

stepper motors were implemented to pull cables attached to specific points on the reflector mesh, to
support automatic pattern reconfiguration [24]. More recently, a similar system for satellite applications
was developed to expand capabilities endowed by changes in the system’s sub reflector, rather than its
main reflector [25]. It is extremely challenging to separate an antenna’s frequency characteristics from
its radiation characteristics. Indeed, this ability to independently select operating frequency, bandwidth
and radiation pattern characteristics is the ultimate goal of reconfigurable antenna designers. Recently,
several research groups achieved this kind of reconfigurability, here termed compound or hybrid
reconfigurability. A few of the antennas previously discussed are already capable of separating, and of
selectable impedance and radiation performance [26,27]. In [26], an annular slot antenna was used
as both a frequency- and pattern-reconfigurable device. In [27], a resonant single-turn microstrip
spiral antenna provided a broadside radiation operation at two different frequencies, and end-fire
radiation characteristics at one of these frequencies. A Yagi-based approach, using reconfigurable
slot-loaded parasitic elements as directors and reflectors, was presented in a prior work, supporting
tilted or broadside beams at two separate frequencies [28]. In [29], a reconfigurable stacked microstrip
antenna delivers a broadside circularly polarized beam at one frequency, and a dipole pattern at a
lower frequency, for joint satellite and terrestrial operation.
Aiming at the challenge of controlling the resonant frequencies and direction of the main lobe
at the particular angle of interest, this paper provides a suitable solution for rapid development
in communication system configurations where the frequency and pattern of the system can be
independently tuned within a single antenna. Our research aimed to provide a novel antenna system
that can achieve frequency as well as pattern reconfigurability by changing the dimensions of the
patch and stubs, respectively. The frequencies targeted here are 28 GHz and 38 GHz (as per Federal
Communications Commission (FCC, Washington, DC, USA) standards/guidelines for 5G mobile
communication technology [30]), with 360◦ of rotation in the main beam of the pattern for both the
desired frequencies. Until now, no such reconfigurable structure has been cited in mmWave applications.

2. Proposed Antenna Design

The geometric configuration of the proposed antenna is shown in Figure 1. The patch shows
a vertically polarized antenna with respect to the feed line, which can be changed to horizontal
polarization by varying its orientation. The proposed architecture was selected according to the
standard dimensions of 5G cellular phablets. The circuit board was fabricated using a procedure of
optic-radiation of photolithography, which processed the photoresist layer to paste the mask onto silicon
sheets. The proposed antenna was designed in an Ansys HFSS (High Frequency Structure Simulator)
19.2 3D electromagnetic field simulator for the radio frequency and wireless design, and was measured
using a ZVA 40 GHz vector network analyzer. A parametric analysis for the right choice was performed
by introducing slots in the conducting patches of both 28 GHz and 38 GHz. To get multiple resonances,
the analysis of gain and return loss was performed in accordance with the selection of the optimal
model for the final results. As can be seen in Figure 2a,b, the return loss S11 (dB) and gain of different
models led us to select model 1, which had a maximum S11 (dB) value (−39.2 dB for 28 GHz, an −38.9
dB for 38 GHz) and reasonable gains. The antenna designed for the nominated frequencies was a cheap
and low-profile novel structure. The overall geometry consisted of two targeted frequencies—i.e.,
partial ground with connected stubs—and a substrate Rogers (Rogers Corporation, Chandler, AZ, USA)
Duroid RT 5880, with dimensions of L × W × h = 112 × 52 × 0.508 mm3 (dielectric = 2.2, loss tangent ),
where h denotes substrate thickness. The rest of the parameters, as shown in Table 1, were initially
calculated via basic antenna equations [31] with respect to the selected resonant frequencies, i.e., 28
GHz and 38 GHz. The microstrip transmission line feeding technique was used to excite the antenna
element (thickness of t = 0.035 mm).
In Figure 2, it can be seen that the return loss of model 1 is optimal as compared to the other
models. This way of choosing optimal return loss is also a type of frequency reconfiguration.
 Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 14

Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 4 of 13

Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 14

(a)

(a)

(b) (c)
Figure 1. Proposed antenna
(b) (a) model 1; (b) patch of model
(c) 2; (c) patch of model 3.

Figure 1. Proposed antenna (a) model 1; (b) patch of model 2; (c) patch of model 3.

0
Figure 1. Proposed antenna (a) model 1; (b) patch of model 2; (c) patch of model 3.
S11_Parameter (dB)

-10

-20
0

-30
S11_Parameter (dB)

-10
Model 1
Model 2
-40 Model 3
-20

15 20 25 30 35 40

-30 Frequency (GHz)

(a) (b)
Model 1
Model 2
-40 Investigation for parametric analysis. (a) Return loss of different models (State 1 of Table 2);
Figure 2. Model 3
Figure
(b) gain 2. Investigation
investigation for parametric
for parametric analysis.
analysis of(a) Return loss
different of different models (State 1 of Table 2);
models.
15 20 for parametric
(b) gain investigation 25 30 analysis
35 of different
40 models.
Frequency (GHz)
In total, 10 negative-channel metal–oxide–semiconductor (NMOS) transistors were mounted on
patched and partial ground. These (a) NMOS transistors were used as RC (Resistor-Capacitor)
(b) equivalent
circuits,Figure
as shown in Figure 3a, with a resistor (R) and capacitor (C) for ON/OFF states [32].
2. Investigation for parametric analysis. (a) Return loss of different models (State 1 of Table 2);
In order to
validate(b)the simulations,
gain investigation the proposedanalysis
for parametric hybridofreconfigurable
different models. antenna was fabricated, manufactured or
designed for ON/OFF states using PSPICE Software, as shown in Figure 3b.
 f

l4 0.2 wt 0.8

l1 0.8 Jt 28 5.5

Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 l 2 / 28 0.3 Jt 38 5.2 5 of 13

l 2 / 38 0.2 m 0.3
Table 1. Parameters andPw
their dimensions.
w1 1.5 28 4
Parameter Dimension (mm) Parameter Dimension (mm)
w2 0.035 Pw38 3.8
j 3 l3/28 0.3
k 12.54 l3/38 0.4
s
Pl 28
2
Gdl5
2
0.2
u Pl 38 1.8
3.8 St w / 28l f, 38 1.9
1.2
l4 0.2 wt 0.8
l1
Gl
0.8
15 St l / 28Jt,2838 1
5.5
l2/28 0.3 Jt38 5.2
l2/38 0.2 m 0.3
w1 1.5 Pw28 4
In total, 10 negative-channel metal–oxide–semiconductor (NMOS) transistors were mounted on
w2 0.035 Pw38 3.8
patched and partial Pl28 ground. These 4 NMOS transistors Gd were used as RC (Resistor-Capacitor)
2
equivalent circuits,Pl38as shown in Figure3.8 3a, with a resistor
Stw/28,38 (R) and capacitor (C)1.9for ON/OFF states
[32]. In order to validate
Gl the simulations,
15 the proposed hybrid
Stl/28,38reconfigurable antenna 1 was fabricated,
manufactured or designed for ON/OFF states using PSPICE Software, as shown in Figure 3b.

(a) (b)

3. (a)3.Equivalent
FigureFigure circuit
(a) Equivalent for
circuit forON/OFF statesinina negative-channel
ON/OFF states a negative-channel metal–oxide–semiconductor
metal–oxide–semiconductor
(NMOS) transistor;
(NMOS) (b)
transistor; (b) circuitry
circuitry forfor NMOS
NMOS switchswitch co-simulation
co-simulation for mode 1 for mode
(Table 1 proposed
3) of the (Table 3) of the
antenna.
proposed antenna.

While designing hybrid frequency and a radiation pattern-based antenna, the frequency response,
with its related parameters, was considered, such as return loss (RL), voltage standing wave ratio
(VSWR), reflection coefficient and a dominant TM (Transverse-Magnetic) mode based on cavity theory
(Equations (1) and (2) [33]).
Zin (ω) − Z0
Γ= (1)
Zin (ω) + Z0
Vmax 1 + |Γ|
VSWR = = (2)
Vmin 1 − |Γ|
The stub radius (RS ) with a fringing effect at frequencies of 28 GHz and 38 GHz was previously
identified [34]:
F
Rs = n io 1 (3)
πF
h  
2h 2
1 + πεr F ln 2h + 1.7726
where
8.791 × 109
F= √ (4)
f0 εr
Based upon Equations (1)–(4), we observed the different operation modes and states of the antenna,
as shown in Tables 2 and 3.

Table 2. State simulation statuses and directions.

State SD1 SD2 All Other Switches Direction

State 1 ON ON OFF Pattern is directed in the middle
State 2 ON OFF OFF Uni-directional
State 3 OFF ON OFF Uni-directional
Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 6 of 13

Table 3. Different operational modes for pattern reconfiguration.

Mode SD1 SD2 SD3 SD4 SD5 SD6 SD7 SD8 SD9 SD10 SD11 SD12 SD13 SD14 SD15 SD16 SD17 SD18
1 ON OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
2 ON OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
3 ON OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
4 ON OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
5 ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
6 ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
7 ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
8 ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
9 OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
10 OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
11 OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
12 OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF
13 OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF OFF
14 OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF OFF
15 OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON OFF
16 OFF ON OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF ON
Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 7 of 13

3. Analytical Results and Discussion

In this section, we investigated the modeled antenna, using an Ansys high frequency structure
simulator (Electromagnetics Suit, HFSS, Ansys, Canonsburg, PA, USA). We analyzed the measured and
simulated results for the proposed antenna with return loss (VSWR), as well as the gain and efficiency
steering at different modes and states for both 28 GHz and 38 GHz.

3.1. Frequency/VSWR/Bandwidth/Gain/Efficiency Reconfiguration Analysis

In this subsection, the frequency reconfigurability of the proposed model 1 was observed using
two switches, i.e., SD1 and SD2. In Figure 4 and Table 4, it can be seen that when SD1 was ON
and the other switches were OFF, the proposed antenna resonated at 28.10 GHz (simulated) and
28.66 GHz (measured). Similarly, a frequency of 37.63 GHz (simulated) and resonant frequency of
38.3 GHz (measured) was perceived when switch SD2 was in the ON state, while the rest of the
switches were kept OFF, subjected to the unidirectional mmWaves of 5G mobile communication.
Further, RL < −10 dB for both 28 GHz and 38 GHz mmWave frequency bands was the finite result of
the simulations measured, with a small dissimilarity. These results were due to losses connected with
SMA (Sub-Miniature version A), tangent loss, improper soldering and other environmental factors
arising during the fabrication process. Figure 5 shows the simulated and measured VSWR for every
state (from Table 2). The results show that, for State 2, the impedance bands were 1.4 GHz and 1.51 GHz
for 28 GHz and 38 GHz (<2.5 standards, respectively).

Table 4. Bandwidth (BW), gain, efficiency and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) analysis at different
states for frequency reconfiguration.

State BW (%) BW (GHz) Gain (dBi) Efficiency (%) VSWR

State 1 40.85 26.40–39.722 3.8 53.2 -
State 2 12.707 26.240–29.748 8.3 70.20 1.4
State 3 7.65 36.812–39.722 7.1 66.39 1.51

While investigating the parametric models, the right structure was chosen and then analyzed
individually for the return loss of selected frequencies, rather analyzing the whole design (Figure 6).
Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 8 of 13

0 0

S 11 _ P a rame te r (dB )
S 11_Parameter (dB )
-10 -10

-20 -20

-30 -30
S11-Simulated
S11-Simulated S11-Measured
-40 S11-Measured -40

20 22 24 26 28 30 32 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
Frequency (GHz) Frequency (GHz)

(a) (b)
Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 14
0

Table 4. Bandwidth (BW), gain, efficiency and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) analysis at
different states for frequency -10
S_Parameters (dB)

reconfiguration.

State BW (%) -20 BW (GHz) Gain (dBi) Efficiency (%) VSWR

State 1 40.85 26.40–39.722 3.8 53.2 -
State 2 12.707 -30 26.240–29.748 8.3 70.20 1.4
State 3 7.65 36.812–39.722
S11-Simuated 7.1 66.39 1.51
S11-Measured
-40

15 20 25 30 35 40

Frequency (GHz)
16 16
(c)
14 14

12 Figure 4. (a) State 1, (b) State 2 and (c) State 3. Return

12
loss at different states of Table 2.
1016 10
16
VSWR
VSWR

814 8
14

612 6
12

410 4
10
VSWR
VSWR

VSWR_28 GHz 2
28 8 VSWR_38 GHz

06 0
6
26 28 30 32 34 36 38 25 30 35 40

4 4 Frequency (GHz)
Frequency (GHz)
VSWR_28 GHz 2
2 VSWR_38 GHz
(a) (b)
0 0
26 28 30Figure
32 5. 34 25 30 35 40
VSWR at36(a) State
38 2 and (b) State 3 of Table 2.

Frequency (GHz) Frequency (GHz)

While investigating(a) (b)

the parametric models, the right structure was chosen and then analyzed
individually for the return loss of selected frequencies, rather analyzing the whole design (Figure 6).
Figure 5. VSWR at (a) State 2 and (b) State 3 of Table 2.

-4 -5

-6
-10
-8
______ ______
-10 -15
S11 (dB)

S11 (dB)

-12
-20
-14

----------- -25 -----------

-16

-18
1 -30

-20
27.0 27.5 28.0 28.5 29.0 30 32 34 36 38

Frequency (GHz) Frequency (GHz)

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure 6. Parametricanalysis
6. Parametric analysis of
of individual
individualpatches
patchesforfor
(a)(a)
28 28
GHz andand
GHz (b) 38
(b)GHz.
38 GHz.

3.2. Radiation Pattern Reconfiguration Analysis

In this section, we discuss the pattern reconfiguration of different modes presented in Table 3.
For pattern steering, parasitic stubs were connected with partial ground through NMOS switches
(SD1–SD18). The purpose of these switches was to yield the change in surface current distribution,
Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 9 of 13

3.2. Radiation Pattern Reconfiguration Analysis

In this section, we discuss the pattern reconfiguration of different modes presented in Table 3.
For pattern steering, parasitic stubs were connected with partial ground through NMOS switches
(SD1–SD18). The purpose of these switches was to yield the change in surface current distribution,
which would thus change the characteristics of the radiation patterning. As a result, the radiation
pattern and surface current density of the antenna operating at different switching modes was derived
45◦ shift2020,
as Electronics along
9, xthe
FORXOY-plane
◦
PEER REVIEW(E-plane) at O = 0 . This direction along the XOY-plane was10altered
of 14
by changing the ON-OFF state in SD1–SD18. In accordance with the ON-OFF states of the parasitic
the with
stubs parasitic stubs with
symmetrical symmetrical
antenna antenna
structures, structures,
the single the single
main beam’s main
direction beam’s
was direction variant
symmetrically was
symmetrically variant along the z-axis in the XOY-plane (Figure 7, from mode 1–mode
along the z-axis in the XOY-plane (Figure 7, from mode 1–mode 16). These modes showed narrow 16). These
modes
HPBW showed
(Half Powernarrow HPBW (Half
Beamwidth) and aPower Beamwidth)
high-quality and a high-quality pattern.
pattern.

0
0
330 4 30
330 4 30
2
2

0
300 60 0
300 60
-2
-2

-4 -4

270 -6 90 270 -6 90
4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4
-4 -4

-2 -2

240 0
120 240 120
0

2 2

210 4 150 210 4 150

180 180

Co-pol. Mode 13 at 38 GHz Co-pol. Mode 14 at 38 GHz

Co-pol. Mode 1 at 28 GHz Co-pol. Mode 2 at 28 GHz
X-pol. Mode 13 at 38 GHz X-pol. Mode 14 at 38 GHz
X-pol. Mode 1 at 28 GHz X-pol. Mode 2 at 28 GHz

0 0
330 4 30 330 4 30

2 2

0 0
300 60 300 60
-2 -2

-4 -4

270 -6 90 270 -6 90
4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4
-4 -4

-2 -2
240 0
120 240 120
0

2
2

210 4 150 210 4 150

180 180

Co-pol. Mode 15 at 38 GHz C0-pol. Mode 16 at 38 GHz

Co-pol. Mode 3 at 28 GHz Co-pol. Mode 4 at 28 GHz
X-pol. Mode 15 at 38 GHz X-pol. Mode 16 at 38 GHz
X-pol. Mode 3 at 28 GHz X-pol. Mode 4 at 28 GHz

Figure 7. Cont.
Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 10 of 13
Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 14

0 0
330 4 30 330 4 30

2 2

0 0
300 60 300 60
-2 -2

-4 -4

270 -6 90 270 -6 90
4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4
-4 -4

-2 -2

240 0
120 240 0
120

2 2

210 4 150 210 4 150

180 180

Co-pol. Mode 9 at 38 GHz Co-pol. Mode 10 at 38 GHz

Co-pol. Mode 5 at 28 GHz Co-pol. Mode 6 at 28 GHz
X-pol. Mode 9 at 38 GHz X-pol. Mode 10 at 38 GHz
X-pol. Mode 5 at 28 GHz X-pol. Mode 6 at 28 GHz

Polar Plot

0 0
330 4 30 330 4 30

2 2

0 0
300 60 300 60
-2 -2

-4 -4

270 -6 90 270 -6 90
4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4
-4 -4

-2 -2

240 0
120 240 0
120

2 2

210 4 150 210 4 150

180 180

Co-pol. Mode 11 at 38 GHz Co-pol. Mode 12 at 38 GHz

Co-pol. Mode 7 at 28 GHz Co-pol. Mode 8 at 28 GHz
X. Mode 11 at 38 GHz X-pol. Mode 12 at 38 GHz
X. Mode 7 at 28 GHz X-pol. Mode 8 at 28 GHz

Figure
Figure 7. 7.
Co-Co-
andand cross(X)
cross (X)polarization
polarizationresults
results showing
showing radiation
radiation pattern
patternofofboth
both2828GHz
GHzand
and3838
GHz
GHz
on on XOY-E-Plane
XOY-E-Plane at at different
different modesfrom
modes fromTable
Table3.3.

Figure
Figure 7 shows
7 shows thethe
co-co-
andand
crosscross
(X) (X) polarization
polarization radiation
radiation pattern
pattern results
results fromfrom Table
Table 3 (from
3 (from mode
1 tomode
16). 1It to 16). It illustrates
illustrates thatmode
that from from 1mode
to 8, 1SD1
to 8,isSD1
ONisand
ONSD2
andisSD2
OFFis (SD1
OFF (SD1
and and
SD2SD2 are the
are the main
main cause of frequency reconfiguration), operating with a resonant frequency
cause of frequency reconfiguration), operating with a resonant frequency of 28 GHz (it is unconcerned of 28 GHz (it is
unconcerned with 38 GHz). In this case, connecting the parasitic stubs from SD3 to
with 38 GHz). In this case, connecting the parasitic stubs from SD3 to SD10 assists in the radiation shiftSD10 assists in
the radiation shift of the main lobe at the 28 GHz frequency. As you can see in Figure 7, the changing
of the main lobe at the 28 GHz frequency. As you can see in Figure 7, the changing positions of the
positions of the pattern (anti-clockwise) cause the surface current density to vary, due to the
pattern (anti-clockwise) cause the surface current density to vary, due to the connecting parasitic stubs.
connecting parasitic stubs. Depending on the number of stubs, we can increase/decrease the steering
Depending on the number of stubs, we can increase/decrease the steering angle (45◦ shift is used in this
angle (45° shift is used in this paper). Similarly, from mode 9 to 16, SD1 is OFF and SD2 is ON, which
paper). Similarly, from mode 9 to 16, SD1 is OFF and SD2 is ON, which results in a 38 GHz resonant
results in a 38 GHz resonant frequency. In this case, stubs being connected from SD11 to SD18, as
frequency. In this case, stubs being connected from SD11 to SD18, as shown in Figure 7, aids in the
shown in Figure 7, aids in the radiation pattern reconfiguration at 38 GHz. The novelty is that both
radiation pattern are
the frequencies reconfiguration at 38 GHz.
controlled irrespective The novelty
of each other. is that both the frequencies are controlled
irrespective of each other.
Electronics 2020, 9, 1372 11 of 13

Our investigation results were compared with the previously published literature, as shown in
Table 5. The major attributes of the proposed model are as follows:
(a) This structure was a novel design for mmWaves, never claimed before.
(b) Frequency and pattern were independently controlled in a single antenna, showing
structural novelty.

Table 5. Comparison with the previously published literature.

Distribution of
Reference Reconfiguration Switches/Types Dimension(mm2 ) Generation Gain/Max (dBi)
Hybrid Reconfiguration
[35] Frequency 3 PIN diodes 28 × 38 3G N/A -
[36] Frequency 4 MEMS 46 × 25 4G 2.2 -
[37] Pattern 5 varactors 38 × 42 4G 2.4 -
[38] Pattern 4 PIN diodes 58 × 32 4G 3.14 -
[39] Hybrid (frequency and pattern) 14 PIN diodes 150 × 160 4G 5.8/4.4/3.2 Combined
[40] Hybrid (frequency and pattern) N/A 86 × 48.3 4G 6.6/7.3 Combined
[41] Hybrid (frequency and pattern) 5 PIN diodes 50 × 60 4G 4/3.3/4/5.2 Combined
[42] Hybrid (frequency and pattern) N/A 50 × 50 4G 6.4/2/2 Combined
This work Hybrid (frequency and pattern) 18 NMOS transistors 112 × 52 5G 3.8/8.3/7.1 Independently tuned

4. Conclusions
In this paper, a combination of frequency and radiation pattern reconfiguration was presented for
an antenna system designed for 5G applications and beyond. The proposed antenna was fabricated for
5G mmWave mobile communication at 28 GHz and 38 GHz. In total, 18 NMOS transistors were used
as switches for the ON and OFF states. Two switches, SD1 and SD2, were used for frequency tuning,
while the other switches were utilized for pattern steering at different angles, in 45◦ steps, with the
targeted resonant frequencies (28 GHz and 38 GHz). The steering angle is totally dependent on the
number of parasitic stubs mounted on the partial ground in the proposed design, and can be altered by
varying the number of stubs. The proposed model is a novel structure and can be used for future 5G
mobile communication applications.

Author Contributions: M.K.S. provided the idea, performed the experiments and managed the paper.
M.I.K. conceived of the presented idea, verified the analytical methods contributed to the interpretation of
the results and took the lead in writing the manuscript. M.A.-H. assisted in the idea development and paper
writing. All authors discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript. All authors have read and
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This work is funded in part by the Abu-Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) Award
for Research Excellence 2019 under Grant AARE19-245.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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